Paresh Rawal Quits Hera Pheri 3 Starring Akshay Kumar And Suniel Shetty

The ‘Hera Pheri’ franchise has long held a special place in the hearts of fans. The iconic trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal turned the film into a cult classic with their unforgettable comic timing and chemistry. So, when a third installment was announced in 2022 with all three stars returning, fans were naturally excited. But the journey to ‘Hera Pheri 3’ has hit a major roadblock — veteran actor Paresh Rawal has officially stepped away from the project.

Paresh Rawal exits Hera Pheri 3

In a statement to Bollywood Hungama, when asked if he was indeed quitting the film, Rawal confirmed the news saying, “Yes, it’s a fact.” According to the same report, Rawal’s decision to exit stems from behind-the-scenes tensions. “There were creative differences between the makers and Paresh Rawal. As a result, the actor decided to step down from the film,” the publication stated.

This has led to concern about the franchise’s future in the absence of Rawal’s iconic character, Babu Rao Ganpatrao Apte.

Babu Rao, with his thick glasses, quirky accent, and clueless charm, became one of the most iconic comedic characters in Bollywood. His role acted as the balancing act between the anxious Shyam (Suniel Shetty) and the scheming Raju (Akshay Kumar), making the trio’s dynamic one of the biggest reasons for the films’ success.

Paresh Rawal on Babu Rao’s character

Interestingly, Rawal has previously opened up about his mixed feelings toward the role of Babu Rao. While the character earned him immense love and recognition, it also led to typecasting. In an earlier interview with Lallantop, he confessed, “My Hera Pheri role is a gale ka fanda. I went to Vishal Bhardwaj in 2007 after in 2006 Phir Hera Pheri released. I told him, ‘I want a release from the image that has been set by this film.’” He added that he had similar conversations with filmmaker R. Balki, telling him that “the role of Babu Rao suffocates him.”

Akshay Kumar also earlier backed from the film

This isn’t the first time a key actor has stepped away from the project. Akshay Kumar had also backed out earlier, citing dissatisfaction with the direction of the film. However, he later reconciled with the makers and rejoined the cast. Director Anees Bazmee, however, was not as convinced. He passed on the opportunity to helm ‘Hera Pheri 3’, revealing his reason in a conversation with Bollywood Hungama.

“I met the producer Firoz Nadiadwala several times. He didn’t have much of a story, let alone a script. Unhone jo mujhe idea bataya woh kuch jammee nahi (the idea he threw at me didn’t gel with me). Maina na keh diya (I said no),” Bazmee said.

Priyadarshan will be directing ‘Hera Pheri 3’.